BigBand Networks and Concurrent Partner to Enable Network-Based Time Shifting

BigBand Networks and Concurrent Partner to Enable Network-Based Time Shifting

Subscribers can join live programs without missing content, pause live TV, demonstrating the synergies of acquisition, nDVR and edge modulation systems

ATLANTA, April 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NCTA NATIONAL SHOW -- BigBand Networks, Inc., a leading provider of broadband multimedia infrastructure for video, voice and data, and Concurrent (NASDAQ:CCUR), a worldwide leader of on-demand technology shaping the future of television, today announced successful interoperability of their solutions for live and stored video, providing subscribers with the ability to time-shift programming. Network-based time shifting offers subscribers control over live programming, enabling DVR-like functionality without requiring the purchase of DVRs. BigBand Networks is demonstrating time-shifting in its booth, #2252, at the NCTA (National Cable & Telecommunications Association) National Show. The BigBand Networks and Concurrent solution for time-shifting has recently been deployed by a major North American cable operator.

The BigBand BMR(R) (Broadband Multimedia-Service Router) and BME(TM) (Broadband Multimedia Service Edge), and the Concurrent Real-Time Media(TM) system provide all the elements required to implement network-based time shifting. In a demonstration at the BigBand Networks' booth, the BMR acquires and processes live VBR (variable bit rate) feeds, replicating and clamping them, sending CBR (constant bit rate) versions, necessary for on-demand networking, to the Concurrent Real-Time Catcher(TM). Simultaneously, the BMR transports the live VBR video streams to subscriber set-box boxes via the BigBand BME. The Concurrent Real-Time Catcher transfers content to the MediaMatrix(TM) complexes which then streams time-shifted programs, also through the BigBand BME, when demanded by subscriber devices.

The BigBand Networks and Concurrent time-shifting solution highlights the opportunity for cable operators to maximize utilization of network infrastructures and compete more effectively with satellite broadcasters. The BigBand BMR is a versatile video platform designed to provide a broad range of headend and hub functionality, while the BigBand BME can deliver both live and stored content to subscribers' homes using QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) signaling.

"At BigBand Networks we're committed to developing versatile platforms that enable our customers to expand functionality and offer differentiated services," said Ran Oz, chief technology officer at BigBand Networks. "Our time-shifting solution leverages platforms that seamlessly blend live and network-DVR content, evolving to allow dynamic sharing of capacity across an ever increasing breadth of services."

Concurrent's Real-Time Media is a natural extension of the MediaMatrix architecture, allowing individual components to be added as needed, with connections via standard interfaces to the rest of the system. Real-Time Media can be easily overlaid on the MediaMatrix, with content access available to all servers within the MediaMatrix system.

"Our work with BigBand Networks on network-based time shifting is another example of Concurrent's integration expertise," said Bob Chism, chief technology officer at Concurrent. "Concurrent's commercial off the shelf approach to hardware assures that deployments are economical and scale to meet the needs of system operators."

About BigBand Networks

BigBand Networks, Inc. is a leading provider of broadband multimedia infrastructure for video, voice and data. Utilizing unique combinations of open technologies, the company's solutions are designed to process, optimize, and deliver services such as broadband Internet, VoIP, digital broadcast television, HDTV, transport of high quality video, local advertising, VOD, interactive TV and IPTV through any network. Service providers use BigBand Networks' platforms in efforts to cost-effectively expand revenue-generating offerings of rich content and advanced interactive services. Customers include seven of the ten largest North American cable operators, US telecommunications companies, as well as leading service providers in Asia, Europe and Latin America. Founded in 1998, BigBand Networks is based in Redwood City, CA with offices worldwide. For more information, please call 650-995-5000, email info@bigbandnet.com or visit http://www.bigbandnet.com/.

About Concurrent

Concurrent (NASDAQ:CCUR) is a leading provider of high-performance, real-time Linux software and solutions for commercial and government markets. For 40 years Concurrent's best-of-breed products have enabled a range of time-critical solutions including: modeling and simulation, high speed data acquisition, visual imaging, low latency transaction processing and on-demand television. Concurrent's on-demand television applications are utilized by major service providers in the cable and IPTV industries to deliver video-on-demand (VOD). Concurrent is a global company with regional offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, and has products actively deployed in more than 24 countries. Concurrent's products and services are recognized for being uniquely flexible, comprehensive, robust and reliable. For more information, please visit http://www.ccur.com/.

BMR, BME and other BigBand Networks brand and product names are service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of BigBand Networks, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Real-Time Media, Real-Time Catcher, MediaMatrix and other Concurrent brand and product names are service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of Concurrent in the United States and other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Press Contacts: Marcos Sanchez
BigBand Networks
(650) 995-5043
marcos.sanchez@bigbandnet.com

Brian Baumley
Cohn & Wolfe
(212) 798-9813
brian_baumley@cohnwolfe.com

Todd Franke
Bob Gold & Associates - Concurrent PR
(310) 320-2010
todd@bobgoldpr.com

Source: BigBand Networks, Inc.

CONTACT: Marcos Sanchez, BigBand Networks, +1-650-995-5043,
marcos.sanchez@bigbandnet.com; Brian Baumley, Cohn & Wolfe, +1-212-798-9813,
brian_baumley@cohnwolfe.com; Todd Franke, Bob Gold & Associates - Concurrent
PR, +1-310-320-2010, todd@bobgoldpr.com

Web site: http://www.ccur.com/
http://www.bigbandnet.com/

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